IntroductionTo the best of our knowledge, a trifocal, diaphyseal fracture of the radius associated with ipsilateral mid-shaft fracture of the ulna in an adult has not been reported in the literature to date. The AO classification system does not include such a fracture configuration.

Case presentationWe report a case of trifocal, diaphyseal fracture of the radius with a mid-diaphyseal fracture of the ulna in a 53-year-old Caucasian, British, right-hand dominant woman involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The management of this rare fracture configuration is described and alternative treatment options discussed.

ConclusionsWe describe an unusual, complex fracture, which with prompt surgical treatment resulted in a rapid, full and satisfactory functional recovery for our patient.

Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article doi:10.1186-1752-1947-5-123 contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.